Manolo keeps 10 of the men that so osundly beat Man 62 in the cup. The only change sees Brad drop to the bench for Ayman to slot in to the middle of defence alongside Erin. Pipo wins a spot on the bench as United seek a second victory against Man 62 in less than a week. Man 62 will no doubt be out for Revenge but United know that 3 points will widen the gap from Glacis in 5th and keep the pressure on St Joseph’s in 3rd.

(Match photos courtesy of William Gracia)

United kicked the match in the hope of continuing where they left off last Wednesday and judging by the scintillating form with which Dani began it seemed that’s what they did. Starting wide on the right he led the Man 62 right back on a merry dance a number of times with his guile and quick feet. Indeed United’s first chance came from a cross from the right which Ayman headed wide from the penalty spot. Dani himself quickly had our second chance with a strong shot from the edge of the box after cutting inside that was well saved by Cafer. The latter was to prove to be Man 62’s man of the match as he pulled off a series of spectacular saves to keep his team in the match throughout the game.

Dani tries his luck from the edge of the box.

United’s supporters however were stunned 10 minutes into the game when Man 62 took a shock lead. Duran and Mouelhi tussled for the ball on the by line and credit to the Man 62 player that was sharper and won the ball, cut inside and drilled in a cross that was knocked into the goal by an unmarked Reyes in the middle of the box. An uncharacteristic mistake by Mouelhi who then proceeded to have a great game winning everything in the air and sweeping up Man 62’s forlorn counters.

Man 62 take an unexpected lead.

Gib Utd responded well with Elghobashy forging a great chance for himself and Marco also having a shot from close range. Cafer, however, was the equal of both efforts with a great reaction save from Elghobashy’s point blank range shot. Was it going to be one of those matches? An element of time wasting had crept into Man 62’s game and frustrations were beginning to boil. Frustrations that were clamed when Yalany Baio equalised with a well taken shot 20 minutes into the game. The resolute Cafer was finally beaten as the fan favourite opened his account with the Club. A justly deserved equaliser considering the lion’s share of possession and chances that we had had.

Baio equalises!

United continued to bomb forward as Man 62 closed ranks and saw out the remaining of the half to go into the dressing room with a 1 – 1 score line. The second half kicked off in the same vein with man 62 further entrenched and United looking to breakthrough. Mouelhi had a chance from a corner that went wide while Bosio directed a mishit Meireles shot onto the post. Despite having almost all the possession of the ball there was no way through. Man 62’s defence, up to 6 men at several points, were fighting hard for their point. Pipo and Roman came on for Bosio and a tiring Elghobashy but still there was no way through.

Bosio and Cafer.

As Preito threw on more defenders and time was ebbing away neither Dani’s magic feet nor could Roman’s lightning feet find us the way through. 86 minutes in it was all change. Dani tried for the umpteenth time by once again shooting at goal. His shot struck Galvez clearly on the hand as it went goal wards. Mr Reoch did not hesitate and pointed to the spot. It was an easy decision to make and the heartbreak in the defender’s face was evident after such a staunch rear guard battle. Despite some gamesmanship, Dani was calm and collected as he slotted the ball to the left of the diving Cafer to seal the game and 3 valuable points for the Reds and Whites. A second strong penalty shout following a tackle on Marco was judged by the referee to be simulation a few minutes later. Mr Reoch brought the game to a its conclusion following 5 minutes of extra time to leave United in 4th, 3 points behind St Joseph’s. A cracking game on Saturday evening has now been set up with the winner going into third. We hope to see our support out in force.